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CAMPUS LIFE AND SAFETY AND SECURITY (CLASS) TASK FORCE 2008 fINAL Report

Opening Letter

It has been our honor to provide leadership for the Campus Life and Safety and Security Task Force. Improving the safety of faculty, staff and students on our higher education and career technology campuses is a serious issue and that effort will continue long after this report is submitted.

In light of the tragedy on the Virginia Tech campus, the formation of this task force could not have been timelier. In fact, Oklahoma can be justifiably proud of our overall response that included the National Security Summit, held on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma within weeks of the tragedy. This highly regarded event featured internationally known experts and was attended by safety and security personnel from 32 states.

Executive Order 2007-17 stated that the purpose of the task force is threefold: 1) review and evaluate current campus safety and security plans; 2) determine what modifications, if any, are necessary to prevent crises and enhance response on campuses; and 3) research methods for recognizing students in need and delivering to them appropriate services.

The members of the task force have spent considerable time researching and evaluating the current state of emergency preparedness on our campuses. It seems obvious that no emergency situation, whether natural or man-made, can be anticipated and responded to without some unexpected issues. However, through our research, the members have identified ways for our campuses to be better prepared for any unforeseen emergency.

This final report from the CLASS Task Force states the findings and recommendations from the members of the task force and its subcommittee members, who have freely given their time working on this issue.

Again, we thank you for the honor you gave us all by allowing us the opportunity to work together on the CLASS Task Force. With your continued support, we can make our higher education and career technology campuses safer for everyone.